diabetes

The effect of activity on mental and physical health is discussed frequently in today’s society. However, the benefits can be easily overlooked and taken for granted. A recent study done by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic has shown having a sedentary lifestyle is worse for health in comparison to smoking, diabetes, and heart disease. For 23 years, 122,000 people participated in the study and completed treadmill testing regularly. The participants were divided into groups based on their performance levels to collect data concerning cardiovascular fitness level, health improvements, and overall longevity and quality of life. Results showed those who did not exercise had a 500% raised risk of death compared to regular exercisers. This study confirms staying fit and active reduces long-term mortality.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, reported in June only 23% of Americans get enough exercise. The CDC guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, and resistance training twice a week. A brisk walk, swimming, or mowing the lawn are all examples for moderate intensity. Being unfit is being viewed as a stronger risk factor compared to hypertension, diabetes, and smoking for mortality. With this, a sedentary lifestyle should be looked at as a disease, which is treated with a prescription of exercise. Setting a short-term goal of exercising two to three days a week has shown decreasing the stiffening of arteries. The resistance that exercise puts on our bodies initiates other cardiovascular adaptations, for example improving the hearts overall function.

The United States spends more than $200 billion every year on treatments and complications for heart disease and diabetes. These are the most expensive diseases in America, and both are modifiable diseases. When clearance to exercise from a physician is obtained, there are no limits to the workout intensity unless stated. If we increase fitness education and support for physical activity, diseases and the costs associated with them can be reduced. This will coincide with an overall healthier, and longer, lifestyle. Exercise is truly medicine, and the benefits are never-ending.

RehabFit is a fitness center for people of all ages and abilities with special attention to members with medical conditions and diseases. RehabFit features cardio machines, dumbbells, TRX suspension trainers and strength machines. Becky and Leah are exercise specialists at RehabFit and are happy to help with any strength training modality and all fitness. Stop by RehabFit to take a tour at Boulder Point in Plymouth or call (603) 238-2225. No referral needed.

A diabetic for decades, things got grim for Donna three years ago when a diabetic ulcer appeared on her right toe. The pain was so intense she couldn’t put pressure on her foot. She tried over-the-counter treatments, but the wound would not heal.

Speare’s state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy helps heal wounds that have not healed in 30 or more days. Patients rest in a chamber, breathing pure oxygen that increases blood flow to the body’s tissues.

“It’s been a great experience,” says Donna. “The chamber was very comfortable and the staff was so nice, I enjoyed them all. “

When Donna completed her therapy, the staff surprised her with a little ceremony, presenting her with a certificate and flowers.

“I haven’t had a signed certificate like this since 1947 when I graduated from high school,” said Donna. “That was special because Robert Frost was our keynote speaker. But this is certainly worth celebrating.”

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Speare Memorial Hospital is a nationally recognized Center of Distinction. Patients with wounds that don’t heal after 30 days often need the services we provide and nearly 96% of wounds are healed at our center with a 98% patient satisfaction rate. For more information visit our Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine or call for an appointment: 603-481-8780.

June 1 through Jun 5, 2015 is Wound Care Awareness Week. Currently 6.7 million patients are suffering with non-healing advanced wounds and that number is expected to rise at a rate of 2 percent annually over the next decade.

Increased rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, the late effects of radiation therapy as well as an aging population are major contributors to the chronic wound epidemic. When left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Approximately 30 percent of untreated chronic wounds result in amputation.

Through a partnership with Healogics, Speare’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center is able to utilize the latest approaches to wound healing and remain current in new scientific advances in wound care. Of special importance to our hospital, Healogics Centers traditionally achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, a 91% healing rate within 30 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center is located just inside the Emergency Room entrance at Speare Memorial Hospital and is accessible from our Avery St. parking lot. For questions regarding our services and to make an appointment call (603) 481 – 8780.